SM&P Sponsors Light the Way 5K Race

On May 5, 2018, Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor, for the fourth year, sponsored the annual Light the Way 5K race, benefiting the Marietta City Schools’ Graduate Marietta initiative. The Kiwanis Club of Marietta event saw more than 500 runners of all ages, wearing race shirts and glow-in-the-dark accessories, cross the finish line and, in many cases, qualify for the prestigious Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta this summer.

Each year, the event encourages engagement by the whole family. Each school within the system seeks to send representatives for all levels of running or walking ability. Many students, teachers, and small children participate in the 5K, Tot Trot, or the 1-mile fun run/walk. Prior to or between the running, trotting, and walking events, everyone is invited to warm up and join in the games and activities.

Thanks to entry fees and sponsorships, more than $23,000 was raised to support the Graduate Marietta program. “This program benefits Marietta City Schools with an emphasis on helping kids graduate,” said Lisa Lawrence, Kiwanian and co-chair of the event. The Marietta Kiwanis Foundation partnership with Graduate Marietta provides laptops to deserving high school students in the International Baccalaureate Program, a Reading Oasis in elementary schools, and Marietta High School’s Nutritional Literacy Programs.

Supporting literacy programs in the local school system is a focus for SM&P partner and founder, Mary Montgomery, who is also a very active Kiwanian. “It is important to support our children,” she said. “Working with children and looking out for the children of our community isn’t only through SM&P’s family law practice but through its volunteer work in the community. We help where we can, and efforts such as working with the Kiwanis Club of Marietta’s comprehensive approach to literacy was an easy sell.”